LA Fire Captain Wins Partial Exemption in Gay Pride Flag Dispute, Yet Lawyers Say It's Not Enough

A Los Angeles County fire captain received a partial religious exemption in his dispute with the county over raising a gay pride flag, though his lawyers argue the accommodation is insufficient. Capt. Jeffrey Little alleged in his may lawsuit that the LA County Fire Department violated his religious freedom when it ordered him to raise the “Progress Pride” flag at his beach lifeguard station. Little, a Christian, requested a religious exemption. Represented by the Thomas More Society, the lawsuit claimed Little was suspended and investigated internally due to the dispute. Additionally, it alleged his privacy was breached, resulting in a death threat. The Thomas More Society announced that the fire department agreed to partially accommodate Little’s request, ensuring he would not personally raise or lower the flag. Little would either be assigned to stations unable to fly the flag or allowed to trade shifts. However, the county refused to grant a full exemption, requiring Little to ensure compliance by his subordinates and to annually renew his request. In a statement, Little expressed hope that the lawsuit will lead to a dialogue between faith-based employees and employers. This incident once again highlights the ongoing tension between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights within public institutions.